I 



92 VIGTOniAL FBAGTICAL BVLB QROWmO. 



kept moist, and with the warmth of the structure at tliat period 

 of the year growths push quickly from many invisible eyes (maore 

 correctly buds), and these are taken as cuttings. Many growers 

 staunchly advocate the discarding of the first shoots which are 

 produced, on the ground that they are so sappy that good plants 

 cannot be hoped for from tbem. 



Some of the earliest growths are by no means gross, and will 

 certainly give satisfactory results if they are properly looked after. 

 If it can be seen that the shoot is sappj^, throw it away : but if 

 it is firm, retain and use it. 



Each cutting should be given a small pot, using a fibrous loam, 

 with a little coarse sand to ensure free passage of water. Very 

 little drainage is necessary, and short stubby shoots cut squarely 

 beneath a joint should be chosen. If the stools are placed in heat 

 at the beginning of ]\Iarch, and the house is warm, growths 

 3 or 4 inches long will be produced in about ten or twelve 

 days ; or, if these do not appear suitable, they may be removed 

 and the second crop of shoots secured. 



After insertion, in the course of which it is imperative to see 

 that the base of the cutting rests upon the base of the hole, the 

 pots should be plunged in a bed that has a bottom heat of about 

 65°, with their tops as close as possible, without touching, to the 

 glass above them. Neglect of the observance of this latter point 

 generally results in the growth becoming leggy and weak, instead 

 of remaining sturdy ancl strong. Shading must be employed in 

 sunny weather, a.nd while many recommend a permanent wash of 

 whiting and milk, we prefer to have movable material, to be used 

 wdien necessary and not at other times. 



Plenty of air is essential at this stage, and the leaves must be 

 lightly sprinkled wdien requii'ed. When it is seen that root action 

 is well on the w\ay, take the plants to a cooler structure and prepare 

 to place them in 3-inch pots, using a compost of best yellow^ loam, 

 leaf mould, the refuse from a Mushroom bed, and sand in pro- 

 portion to the retentiveness of the loan:;. Exercise the utmost 

 care not to break the tender roots, and when the work is completed 

 stand the plants in a warm frame or a greenhouse, close to the 

 glass in either case. 



Th3 second method by wdnch increase can be effected is by 

 division of the stools after these have been started, as suggested 

 for the production of cuttings. The division must be done with 

 a view to having a growth to each piece, and if potted singly and 

 treated as advised for cuttings they will make good plants in due 

 course. 



One other means by Avhich plants may be raised is deserving 

 of brief reference, as by its aid we secure our new^ varieties. This 

 is from seeds, but the process is too tedious and has to be carried 

 out on such an extensive scale if anything like good results are 

 desired, that it is rather beyond the ken of the amateur, who is 

 wise in leaving it to the professional Dahlia grower, from whom 



